Tributes

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of another of the greatest generation, Floyd Arnold Chaplin, 95, who went to be with the lord on January 30, 2016. Floyd was born on April 7, 1920 to Arnold and Gladys (Corbin) Chaplin in Hartland, New York. He and his younger sister Dorothy (“Dot”), were fortunate to be raised on an orchard farm, growing up during the Depression. After graduation from high school, he wanted to pursue his interest in drafting and machine shop at the University in Buffalo. He found employment at Curtiss- Wright Corporation in Buffalo, manufacturing airplanes for the British War effort. After the invasion of Pearl Harbor, Curtiss-Wright’s mission increased dramatically. Because of the critical nature of his job, replacement workers had to be trained before Floyd could enlist in the Army Air Corps in January 1944. He served in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre of WWII. In March 1946, he was honorably discharged from serving as a Technician 5. He moved to Indiana and finished an engineering degree at Tri-State University. He met Debbie Crisp, the love of his life, in Richmond, Indiana and they were married in March 1952. They had two children, Richard and Beverly, while living in Richmond where Floyd worked for NATCO. Floyd was transferred from Roots Blower in Connersville, Indiana to Dresser Industries in Houston, Texas. They were there 3 years before he was reassigned to Anniston. It was in Anniston that he became involved with the Gideons and Emmaus/Kairos Prison Ministry, as well as with the church in lay speaking, of which he served as Anniston District Lay Leader. He remained active with all of them until just within the last year. Floyd served as Anniston Area Management Association President in 1977-1978 and 1984-1985. He served as International Management Council Division VII President 1983-1984. Floyd retired in 1985 as Plant Engineer with M&H Valve. In 1988, Floyd was recipient of the Denman Evangelism Award at the United Methodist North Alabama Conference annual session. He was also Trustee at Carraway Methodist Medical Center. Floyd was a member of Gasport Lodge No. 787 for the past 70 years. Floyd was a beloved member of 1st United Methodist Church in Oxford. He is survived by son, Richard Chaplin (Betty), of Killeen, Texas; daughter, Beverly Eby (Michael), of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandsons, David Chaplin (Summer), of Forney, Texas, Mark Chaplin (Jenifer), of Austin, Texas, Brandon Eby (Amy), of Indianapolis, Indiana, granddaughters; Megan Eby Herron (Ronnie), of Indianapolis, Indiana, Adrianne Eby of Chicago, Illinois; great-grandchildren; Braxton, Ayla and Evie Chaplin, of Forney, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, and his loving wife. Visitation will be Friday, February 5, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Miller Funeral Home in Oxford. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 6, 2016, 11:00 AM in the chapel of Miller Funeral home. The Rev. Chuck Worley will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, expression of sympathy may be made to The Gideons International or Kairos Prison Ministry International. The family wishes to thank all the staff of NHC Nursing Home; a special thank you to Denise and Gary White, Ron Burson, Tom Carleson and Jack Mize for their love and support to Floyd.

Tributes

Floyd Arnold Chaplin

April 7, 1920 - January 30, 2016